"We absolutely need to make a profit today and are banking on another four good years to get us back in the black," Mr Milton said yesterday.

The day was not without minor hiccups.

The main race was put back until 6pm from its scheduled 5.22pm start after race barrier issues delayed race two and the bus carrying TOTE personnel from Launceston to man the Spreyton Park booths broke down enroute.

It was punters who backed Red Eagle who were smiling the broadest after his win.

While many punters headed straight to the TOTE to place their bets, the old-school bookmakers on course were still doing a solid trade.

Devonport bookmaker Nick Wheelan said it looked like it was going to be a good day trackside.

He said bookmaking had become more of a social enterprise than a way of making a living as online and pub betting continued to grow.

"We are hanging on and will be heading to the Launceston and Hobart cups next," he said.

As will the fashionistas, who lined up for the annual fashions on the field.

Charmaine Garbett, of Devonport, was a clear winner and crowd favourite in the millinery and classic race wear categories with her hand-made hat and classic outfit made by Cynthia Hawkins of Vertueax.

But she was pipped at the post in the ladies' Fashion on the Field final by Bernadette Lindsay, of Westbury.

Ms Lindsay, 28, sported a classic navy blue and white ensemble. She is getting married in March and said the $1500 voucher would go towards her honeymoon.

"I had the dress made because I love the classic 1920s and 30s styles," she said.

The Devonport Cup is the first of the summer racing carnival. The Hobart Cup is on February 9 and the Launceston Cup on February 26.

WHY do we have a ridiculous uncivil war raging on this beautiful island of ours? The north-south animosity dates all the way back to the earliest years of European settlement but surely it’s time to get over it, writes TIM MARTAIN